About Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC)
The Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) is the government body responsible for cybersecurity in Dubai. It was established in 2014 to protect the emirate's government information, communication networks and critical systems from cyber threats.
DESC sets the rules and standards that Dubai government entities follow to secure their systems. One of its best-known frameworks is the Information Security Regulation, which outlines controls that organisations must put in place, from access management to incident handling.
In 2017, Dubai launched its Cyber Security Strategy, which DESC leads. The strategy focuses on building a cyber-smart society, encouraging innovation in cybersecurity, protecting the emirate's digital infrastructure and promoting cooperation between government, private sector and international partners.
DESC also certifies and supervises cybersecurity service providers and products used by government entities, and it runs programmes to raise awareness among residents and organisations.
Cloud security is a growing area of focus, with DESC publishing standards for cloud service providers serving government entities, as Dubai moves more government services online.
For businesses working with Dubai government entities, DESC standards and certifications can be a requirement, so technology and security companies pay close attention to its rules.
DESC is a government authority rather than a startup, and Startups UAE includes it because its standards shape the work of many technology and cybersecurity companies in Dubai.
DESC sets the rules and standards that Dubai government entities follow to secure their systems. One of its best-known frameworks is the Information Security Regulation, which outlines controls that organisations must put in place, from access management to incident handling.
In 2017, Dubai launched its Cyber Security Strategy, which DESC leads. The strategy focuses on building a cyber-smart society, encouraging innovation in cybersecurity, protecting the emirate's digital infrastructure and promoting cooperation between government, private sector and international partners.
DESC also certifies and supervises cybersecurity service providers and products used by government entities, and it runs programmes to raise awareness among residents and organisations.
Cloud security is a growing area of focus, with DESC publishing standards for cloud service providers serving government entities, as Dubai moves more government services online.
For businesses working with Dubai government entities, DESC standards and certifications can be a requirement, so technology and security companies pay close attention to its rules.
DESC is a government authority rather than a startup, and Startups UAE includes it because its standards shape the work of many technology and cybersecurity companies in Dubai.